A shorter coat and a crowded train...

I had my coat cut today. Stray says I have 2 coats, an undercoat and an overcoat. Like a real Badger. I like the sound of that, it feels nice and safe. I wish I had a coat all over like that of a real Badger. I am pleased that the coat on my head is now somewhat considerably shorter. Its far too hot to be carrying around such a mop head. I am done with it. Its gone. No more hiding under my hat for at least another 8 weeks.

On Saturday I went to Hyde Park for my first inline skating lesson. It was good. There were about 8 of us altogether and I was happy to be top of the class as most of the others could barely stand. Most of the lesson was a bit slow for me, but it was still good to make sure I was doing the basics correctly and not picking up any bad habits. We learn't the best way to fall as well, which was useful as I tend to just throw myself at the tarmac.

To get too and from Hyde Park I had to use the tube - I dislike the London Underground, mainly because I feel like cattle and then when I realise I am being hurded in such a manner I start to panic. Which is probably the worst thing I could do, because then I get a bit dizzy and panic more because I suddenly remember my trouble with escalators.

I rounded the corner at Knightsbridge station all set to hop on the train, when I was faced with a tin and sardines situation. I thought about waiting, but I figured the next one would be just as bad so held my breathe and bounced on. I thought I would surely be the last but some crazy women with about a million huge Harvey Nicks bags somehow squeezed herself in behind me. She managed to get her stupid bags trapped in the door and rather than pulling them in she just froze and shouted "help me!"... everyone turned away, noses in papers, or in my case someone else's armpit.

I managed to squeeze myself round into a position to help the women. I pulled the doors apart releasing her stupid bags, at the expense of squashing my thumb in the process. The women was rather grateful and rubbed my paw better. I think maybe she thought I was 12.

When I finally escaped the depths of the world below I was thankful and even keener to get better on my skates so I never have to go back down there again.

A Ticnic and some skates ...

On Saturday I went to a Ticnic in Hyde Park. It was great. It was the first time I have ever been in the company of someone/anyone with Tourettes. It was fascinating and I felt totally normal and relaxed, which I don't think I have ever felt before. They were all really lovely people and I was pleased to have found the courage to go and meet them. I somehow managed to get myself on the quiet train cabin on the way up with the aid of Stray. This made me a little anxious, but it was ok.

The most exciting news of the day for me is the reason I was up in Hyde Park in the first place.... I was in London to buy myself a new pair of Skates from the Blue Room Store by Marble Arch.

And here they are. They are beautiful. I *heart* them lots. I start my lessons in June in London and I am very excited to be learning to skate properly and I am also excited to meet some new people. People that skate, so I think they must be cool people. I hope so.